Outside the golden cultural triangle of Seville, Cordoba and Granada, the rural landscape of Andalucia is breathtaking and what better way to appreciate its diversity than on foot. Our walks take us through rugged hills, picturesque sunflowers fields, olive groves and the granite peaks of Sierra de Grazalema Natural Park. In this corner of Europe the excesses of modern life do not seem to have taken root and and our home for the week is the perfect example: a rustic, homely cortijo in the heart of agricultural countryside. During the week, a whole day is reserved for exploring the magnificent city of Seville.

Walk profile

Daily distance in km/miles:

Day 2

12.0km/7.5miles

Day 3

11.0km/6.8miles

Day 4

16.0km/9.9miles

Day 6

8.0km/5.0miles

Day 7

9.0km/5.6miles

Number of days walking: 5

Pace: Approximately 3 or 4 hrs walking per day on Grade 2 (leisurely/moderate) departures and 4-7 hrs on Grade 4 (moderate/challenging) departures.

Today we walk a circuit around the impressive Penon Crag that looms over the Cortijo Rosario. An optional tapas lunch in the village gives us a chance to soak up the authentic Andalucian atmosphere.See more images and videos

4Day 4Visit Caños Santos Monastery; walk to Setenil, a unique 'Pueblo Blanco' with homes built into the side of a gorge.

We set out from the Cortijo Rosario through Algamitas to the abandoned monastery of Canos Santos where we will have lunch. In the afternoon we follow the Ruta de los Molinos along the river that runs through the cliff-sided village of Setenil. Your tour leader will give you an introductory talk to prepare you for the following day's trip to the city of Seville.See more images and videos

5Day 5Introduction to the magnificent city of Seville with free time to explore.

The day is free to explore Seville at your own pace. Now the capital of Andalucia, Seville was one of the first conquests of the Moors. After the fall of the Cordoba Caliphate in the 11th century, under whose direction it previously lay, it became the most powerful city in 'Al Andalus'. Near the centre of the city is the evocative 'Giralda', an architectural masterpiece dating from the 12th century. Originally built as a minaret for the central Mosque in Seville, this Mosque was later destroyed, and it is now the bell-tower for the enormous cathedral. Close by is the magnificent 'Alcazar', a complex of palaces dating back from Roman times and later used by both Moorish and Christian rulers. It has fine examples of Moorish and 'Mudejar' architecture, rivalling Granada's 'Alhambra', and stunning sculpted gardens. After the Christian re-conquest Seville became famed as the gateway to the 'New World'. Christopher Columbus negotiated here with Queen Isabella to fund his epic voyage to the Americas, bringing her back untold riches and making Seville one of the wealthiest cities in Europe. We return to the Cortijo.

6Day 6Walk the 'Pass of the Doves' through fantastic limestone scenery to the 'White Village' of Benaocaz.

Our private bus will drive us high into the Grazalema Mountains over the Pass of the Doves. We walk up past some fantastic limestone scenery and down into the white Village of Benaocaz.See more images and videos

A short drive takes us to the El Chorro Gorge, which offers some of the most spectacular scenery in Spain. Our walk takes us up to a high point from where we can overlook the canyon hundreds of feet below, and ends at the massive Guadalhorce dam and reservoir complex.See more images and videos

Your images

Guided Group

This is a small group guided holiday. The group is usually between 4 and 16 in size, with an average of 12 like-minded clients booking individually, in a couple or as friends together.

Activity level

You are reasonably fit, enjoy the outdoors and are looking for some exercise. Some previous experience is preferable for activity based trips.

What's included

What's included

All breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches, 7 dinners

All accommodation (see below)

All transport and listed activities

Tour leader throughout

Flights from London (if booking incl. flights)

What's not included

Travel insurance

Single accommodation (available on request)

Visas or vaccinations

Accommodation details

Cortijo Rosario

Our week is based at the Cortijo Rosario, a beautifully converted farmhouse reserved exclusively for Exodus groups. Situated in the heart of the romantic Andalusian countryside, the Cortijo overlooks the small village of Algamitas and is within reach of Seville and the charming town of Ronda. All rooms have en suite facilities and there is a bar, lounge, outdoor dining area as well as a lovely pool.

There is one single room available, which can be guaranteed with the supplement from GBP90 payable in advance on booking. We may be able to confirm another single room closer to departure, which will be GBP150 for a twin room as single occupancy. Please contact our sales team to check if this is available no more than two weeks before departure.

Weather permitting, on every departure the catering team at the Cortijo will demonstrate how a true paella is made with the tips you normally don’t get from recipe books!

Essential info

Vaccinations and Visa
No visa required for British passport holders.
There are no specific health risks. Holiday style

The majority of drives are short except for the journey to Seville, which is approx 2hrs. Walking is mostly on well-marked paths, yet this is a hilly area and some easy ascents should be expected.

Most departures have a physical rating of 2 (leisurely/moderate), but we also offer four weeks with a physical rating of 4 (moderate/challenging) which allow us to ascend the higher peaks and walk on more challenging terrain for longer hours. It is important to be assured of your fitness on these departures. For 2015 the challenging departures are 07 March, 11 April, 30 May and 03 October.

Please note all activities are optional and a rest day may be taken at any point should you prefer to relax at the Cortijo.

Cortijo Rosario is renovated to a high standard whilst maintaining its traditional heritage, so the farmhouse should not be considered a luxury villa or hotel.

Eating & drinking

All breakfasts, 5 picnic lunches and 7 evening meals are included.

Breakfast: Continental buffet-style breakfast with local fruit and yoghurt.

Lunch: Packed lunches are provided for the day walks, usually filled with cheese/cold meats. On some days it is possible to eat Tapas lunches together as a group instead.

Evening meal: The evening meal is treated as the main meal of the day and will be local Spanish cuisine. All food is freshly prepared from locally grown seasonal produce. Water, wine and tea or coffee are provided with the evening meal. A selection of soft and alcoholic drinks is available at the bar (payable locally).

Vegetarians are generally well catered for at the Cortijo Rosario. Please advise us on booking if you have any special dietary requirements.

Trip notes

Download the detailed trip notes for everything you could possibly want
to know about this trip, including detailed itinerary and full kit list.

Weather & seasonality

Spring generally enjoys pleasant daytime temperatures (12-23degC) and a little cooler in the evenings. There is the chance of some rain, which then offers views of beautiful spring flowers. Summer months are hot and dry with daytime temperatures of around 21-35degC, dropping to between 17 and 25degC at night. Autumn brings cooler weather although it is still fairly dry. The possibility of rain is more likely in winter months but temperatures stay mild in the daytime, becoming cooler after sunset.

What did you think of your group leader?

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

The accommodation is set in spectacular scenery, you eat outside with that view every day (weather permitting).
Walks are enjoyable and varied, and often end with a nice cool drink in a local bar.
Pool at the accommodation is very nice and refreshing at the end of the day (pool towels are provided).
Food served is also excellent.
Drinks are very reasonably priced in the Cortijo.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

I cant really pick out one thing, the whole holiday was excellent.

What did you think of your group leader?

Alexis was a first class group leader - the right attitude, good planning, easy to get on with, always looking out for everyone in the group, making changes as required (it was very hot when were were there).

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

One of the best holidays ever. It was a wonderful mixture of walking - where the scenery was different on every hike and incredibly unspoilt, eating beautiful authentic Spanish food , experiencing Andalusian culture and still having time to relax by the pool surrounded by magnificent views. The Cortijo Rosaria was a wonderful place to stay - the staff did everything to make our holiday special, with a surprise Flamenco event at the end of the week.

What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

This is difficult as so many of the walks were memorable - but maybe the last two walks were the most outstanding - to Sierra de Grazalema National Park and the El Chorro gorge. The views were stunning.
Seville was also a beautiful city to visit especially with all the Jacaranda trees in blossom , and although we only had a day, there was time to see the palace , cathedral and to have a ride in a horse drawn carriage.

What did you think of your group leader?

Alexis was a brilliant group leader. He was extremely knowledgeable and made all the walks interesting and fun. He was caring and courteous and always checked how the itinerary could be improved to ensure everyone had the best time. Nothing was ever too much trouble - he is a great asset to Exodus.

Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

Although it's very touristy do take the horse drawn carriage - it's good fun and if time is short it provides an opportunity to see other attractions.
The weather was a surprise - unseasonally hot so if going do pack a range of clothes , may have to be prepared for the unexpected.

Questions about your trip

Pick your question

What's the food like at the farmhouse?

Put simply - fantastic! You start the day with a continental buffet-style breakfast in the morning, with local fruit and yoghurt. Packed lunches are provided for any day walks, usually filled with cheese/cold meats. On some days it is possible to eat Tapas lunches together as a group instead.The evening meal is the main meal of the day and will be local Spanish cuisine. All food is freshly prepared from locally grown seasonal produce. Water / Wine and tea / coffee are provided with the evening meal. A selection of soft and alcoholic drinks is available at the bar (payable locally). Vegetarians are generally well catered for at the Cortijo Rosario. Please let us know if you have any particular requests.

Rachel George - Customer Operations

advise us on booking if you have any

special dietary requirements.

I want to visit the Alhambra palace in Granada - easy to arrange?

If you wish to visit Alhambra Palace, we definitely recommend you reserve a ticket in advance due to high demand and long queues. Tickets can be purchased via their website - http://www.alhambrapatronato.es

Rachel George - European Operations

What kind of luggage should I take?

There's really no restiction, whatever feels comfortable for you. Whether that's a wheelie case or a rucksack, you won't be carrying it too far so don't worry!

Amanda Ceraolo - Product Manager

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